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YELLA
Red and blue sirens. The last thing Yella Cooper remembered the night her world was destroyed before her eyes. It’s been four years since the incident, and she is now forced to pick up the broken pieces and move on with her life. But things take a different turn when she meets Lorenzo Reed. A tattoo artist and painter from out of town, with an eclectic style and charisma. As feelings intertwine and passion rises beyond the surface, Yella is propelled into new territory she didn’t expect. However, in life, nothing is ever as good as it seems. And as the shadows of her past looms not too far behind, Yella quickly learn the consequences of running away from the very demons that haunt her. And in order to prosper in her own light, she must first face the darkness before it suffocates her.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2018
About the author
Taisha S. Ryan
17 books82 followersTaisha Ryan is a writer and artist from New York. Writing has been her passion since the age of 12, allowing her to express her wild imagination through words. Taisha has written short stories, novels, poems, songs, and screenplays. In March 2014, she published her debut novel, Cuffed. And since then, has published three additional novels. She would describe her stories as raw, creatively uninhibited, and true to life. Words are power. And her intent is to take readers on an emotional journey as they experience the world through her mind's eye, while also providing them with a sense of purpose with each word that drips from the page. And with her gift, she believes she can do just that.
Look out for more of her projects in the future!
Look out for more of her projects in the future!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 21, 2018
Soul Stirring
Whoa! Wow! This story left no stone unturned as it transported the reader to a front row seat of the angst, anxiety, despair, and torment of the unfortunate brothers and sisters who have experienced the tragedy and trauma of being victimized and castigated by law enforcement. The aftermath for the family and friends who are left to pick up the pieces after a life has been snuffed off by those sworn to protect and serve is unfathomable. But this story provides us of a glimpse of the ripple effects and how they can take out more lives than just the one.
Yella and Zo were magic when they were together. They championed, advocated, chastised each other in a way that was endearing and pulled on the heartstrings. Their love was pure, potent, and endearing. Loved them together! They are officially one of my new fav couples. So much to say about this book but suffice it to say, that this book is bold and brave in tackling a national crisis that is literally cutting off a generation and fracturing black families and communities. The pain is stifling and suffocating but there is also sweet relief. This book gives the reader hope for being whole again and not merely existing but living and loving and thriving in abundance just as God has ordained! Job well done, Ms. Ryan!
Whoa! Wow! This story left no stone unturned as it transported the reader to a front row seat of the angst, anxiety, despair, and torment of the unfortunate brothers and sisters who have experienced the tragedy and trauma of being victimized and castigated by law enforcement. The aftermath for the family and friends who are left to pick up the pieces after a life has been snuffed off by those sworn to protect and serve is unfathomable. But this story provides us of a glimpse of the ripple effects and how they can take out more lives than just the one.
Yella and Zo were magic when they were together. They championed, advocated, chastised each other in a way that was endearing and pulled on the heartstrings. Their love was pure, potent, and endearing. Loved them together! They are officially one of my new fav couples. So much to say about this book but suffice it to say, that this book is bold and brave in tackling a national crisis that is literally cutting off a generation and fracturing black families and communities. The pain is stifling and suffocating but there is also sweet relief. This book gives the reader hope for being whole again and not merely existing but living and loving and thriving in abundance just as God has ordained! Job well done, Ms. Ryan!
May 15, 2018
When the past can't stay in the past and the present becomes promising, will Yella be able to move on peacefully? Or will love not be enough to save her?
My book depression at this point is so immense, I just can't fathom moving on to read another book right now. I was reading this so slow, hoping it would last, sigh. Taisha Ryan is one of thee most underrated Indie authors I know! She has these quiet book releases that cant possibly match what's found in between the pages of her work which is beyond mind blowing in contrast. Her releases deserve red carpet premiers so everyone can grab it and have a chance to experience her genius. Yella is a story of self discovery and healing. A beautifully written love story of how the past can either be a beautiful blessing or a painful lesson.
I am in awe of the character development of Yella. I championed so hard for her in this book and she blossomed before my eyes. She was relatable and lovable with her tough demeanor. She reminded me so much of myself: tough on the outside to protect the vulnerability within. I was enamored with her and Lorenzo's chemistry: their banter as friends and passion as lovers was so refreshing and so fiery. Zo wasn't your average guy around the way: he marched to the beat of his own drum (or should I say paintbrushes, lol) and he was just what Yella needed to keep in check (dang he was so calm and collected and just a big Zaddy).
Ryan always hits readers with a heavy backstory and let's love heal you along the way. Her knack for standalones is so noteworthy as she is able to write a storyline that is hearty and satisfying to the end, leaving readers with no questions and all plots tied up with a HEA 'bow' that fits the characters so well. I mean, it's just amazing how all of her works are standalones that can 'stand' toe to toe with any other books in it's genre. I just can't seem to get over Ryan's effortless flow and her unique stories that always stick with me long after my reading is done. Did I mention I have book hangover, sigh
My book depression at this point is so immense, I just can't fathom moving on to read another book right now. I was reading this so slow, hoping it would last, sigh. Taisha Ryan is one of thee most underrated Indie authors I know! She has these quiet book releases that cant possibly match what's found in between the pages of her work which is beyond mind blowing in contrast. Her releases deserve red carpet premiers so everyone can grab it and have a chance to experience her genius. Yella is a story of self discovery and healing. A beautifully written love story of how the past can either be a beautiful blessing or a painful lesson.
I am in awe of the character development of Yella. I championed so hard for her in this book and she blossomed before my eyes. She was relatable and lovable with her tough demeanor. She reminded me so much of myself: tough on the outside to protect the vulnerability within. I was enamored with her and Lorenzo's chemistry: their banter as friends and passion as lovers was so refreshing and so fiery. Zo wasn't your average guy around the way: he marched to the beat of his own drum (or should I say paintbrushes, lol) and he was just what Yella needed to keep in check (dang he was so calm and collected and just a big Zaddy).
Ryan always hits readers with a heavy backstory and let's love heal you along the way. Her knack for standalones is so noteworthy as she is able to write a storyline that is hearty and satisfying to the end, leaving readers with no questions and all plots tied up with a HEA 'bow' that fits the characters so well. I mean, it's just amazing how all of her works are standalones that can 'stand' toe to toe with any other books in it's genre. I just can't seem to get over Ryan's effortless flow and her unique stories that always stick with me long after my reading is done. Did I mention I have book hangover, sigh
May 5, 2018
Well
It was a good story. I just get tired of waiting till the end for a couple to get together. These women have these barriers up. Knock them down and get your man at 35% in the book and not at 90%. I didn't like that part about Blizz. I didn't like how he was introduced and nothing after about him. I'm glad she did get her happy tho. Loved Zo and crazy Shai. Oh let me add, Malik need his own story. He has a good one it seems.
It was a good story. I just get tired of waiting till the end for a couple to get together. These women have these barriers up. Knock them down and get your man at 35% in the book and not at 90%. I didn't like that part about Blizz. I didn't like how he was introduced and nothing after about him. I'm glad she did get her happy tho. Loved Zo and crazy Shai. Oh let me add, Malik need his own story. He has a good one it seems.
May 5, 2018
Afterwards
We see these men murdered on the news, sprawled out on the pavement or memorialized on t-shirts, signs and fliers. What we don’t often see is the devastation left in their wake. The lives that were impacted as a result, and how they’re coping. As she’s known to do, Taisha Ryan takes us there, drops us in the midst of their turmoil, and guides us to the other side like only she can.
I never read books that mirror these salacious events. I immediately discard them. I see enough of it on the news. This however wasn’t written from a platform. I didn’t get the impression that she was trying to appeal to my sadness or outrage or trying to stir a conscious. I felt that she was simply telling a story and I loved it. Excellent job!
We see these men murdered on the news, sprawled out on the pavement or memorialized on t-shirts, signs and fliers. What we don’t often see is the devastation left in their wake. The lives that were impacted as a result, and how they’re coping. As she’s known to do, Taisha Ryan takes us there, drops us in the midst of their turmoil, and guides us to the other side like only she can.
I never read books that mirror these salacious events. I immediately discard them. I see enough of it on the news. This however wasn’t written from a platform. I didn’t get the impression that she was trying to appeal to my sadness or outrage or trying to stir a conscious. I felt that she was simply telling a story and I loved it. Excellent job!
May 23, 2018
Being mean is a defense mechanism...
Yella. I sure do relate to her in many ways. I do not share her same experience, but I understand the need to guard one’s heart. It took someone who was genuinely drawn to Yella. Someone who was patient. Someone who got to know her well enough to earn her trust to and to love her. Lorenzo. Through his love she finally allowed herself to love again. He is that someone Yella needed. This dude is the truth. Love, love, love this story!
Yella. I sure do relate to her in many ways. I do not share her same experience, but I understand the need to guard one’s heart. It took someone who was genuinely drawn to Yella. Someone who was patient. Someone who got to know her well enough to earn her trust to and to love her. Lorenzo. Through his love she finally allowed herself to love again. He is that someone Yella needed. This dude is the truth. Love, love, love this story!
July 30, 2018
3.5 stars
I didn't immediately review this book because I honestly didn't know how to rate it. I definitely liked the storyline, this author tackles the issues that goes on in society today well. Yella's struggles after witnessing her boyfriend being shot down by police was heartbreaking. Her struggles to live, to love again were interesting to read, honestly if the book only tackled her struggles to live every day life, with not as much emphasis on building a relationship, I would have enjoyed that. Her interactions with Lorenzo were cool, but I don't feel like I know Yella that much. Who was she before? Lorenzo could have his own book too because his issues with his mom, his brother peanut, his crazy aunt. I just feel like some details were missing with this one.
I didn't immediately review this book because I honestly didn't know how to rate it. I definitely liked the storyline, this author tackles the issues that goes on in society today well. Yella's struggles after witnessing her boyfriend being shot down by police was heartbreaking. Her struggles to live, to love again were interesting to read, honestly if the book only tackled her struggles to live every day life, with not as much emphasis on building a relationship, I would have enjoyed that. Her interactions with Lorenzo were cool, but I don't feel like I know Yella that much. Who was she before? Lorenzo could have his own book too because his issues with his mom, his brother peanut, his crazy aunt. I just feel like some details were missing with this one.
June 3, 2018
An amazing read 😍
So when I first saw this book I read a review that said “I wish it had a happy ending” or something and I put off reading this book because of that. I’m so glad I moved past that and read it anyway with my heart in my throat waiting for a tragic ending that never was. I loved Yella she was stronger than she realised. It was a real story that didn’t have everything tied up in a pretty bow in the end but left you satisfied with their journey and wishing them well on all that was to come and I loved that!
So when I first saw this book I read a review that said “I wish it had a happy ending” or something and I put off reading this book because of that. I’m so glad I moved past that and read it anyway with my heart in my throat waiting for a tragic ending that never was. I loved Yella she was stronger than she realised. It was a real story that didn’t have everything tied up in a pretty bow in the end but left you satisfied with their journey and wishing them well on all that was to come and I loved that!
June 18, 2018
Great read
I loved how this story bought two different types of people together based on what they went through. I like how yella finally saw the love that Lorenzo had for her once he knew what happened to her. Her brother was a beast for offing blizz in front of zo without repercussions. I do wish more of their real was told now since she finally loved him back. Great story and hope there's more from them. Baby maybe!!
I loved how this story bought two different types of people together based on what they went through. I like how yella finally saw the love that Lorenzo had for her once he knew what happened to her. Her brother was a beast for offing blizz in front of zo without repercussions. I do wish more of their real was told now since she finally loved him back. Great story and hope there's more from them. Baby maybe!!
May 18, 2018
Yelling at Yella
Wow and wow! The story had me going. Yella was a headstrong feisty lil lady with an emotional story. Losing the love of your life to gun violence would be enough to emotionally scare most people. To live with the incident occurred, also having other family issues is a two-sided sword. The story was great.
Wow and wow! The story had me going. Yella was a headstrong feisty lil lady with an emotional story. Losing the love of your life to gun violence would be enough to emotionally scare most people. To live with the incident occurred, also having other family issues is a two-sided sword. The story was great.
June 10, 2018
Captivating
Another great novel by Taisha Ryan. She never disappoints. She writes about complex characters that are so real and very layered while tackling important issues very present in our everyday lives. Well done. It was great to see Yella finally have some peace and open herself up to love again.
Another great novel by Taisha Ryan. She never disappoints. She writes about complex characters that are so real and very layered while tackling important issues very present in our everyday lives. Well done. It was great to see Yella finally have some peace and open herself up to love again.
July 2, 2018
The guilt
Yells had been through it with what she witnessed. Zo was her different and felling ste did not expect.
Still reliving the tragedy everyday she so guarded but Zo keeps coming around and spending time. The BEAM group definitely helped. Wish she been talk to someone. Blizz blood on her hands tho.
Slow drink
Yells had been through it with what she witnessed. Zo was her different and felling ste did not expect.
Still reliving the tragedy everyday she so guarded but Zo keeps coming around and spending time. The BEAM group definitely helped. Wish she been talk to someone. Blizz blood on her hands tho.
Slow drink
June 17, 2018
Excellent Read
This book was all that and a whole lot more. Thank you for writing such an aspiring Stott. Something that we're dealing with on a daily basis.
This book was all that and a whole lot more. Thank you for writing such an aspiring Stott. Something that we're dealing with on a daily basis.
Read
May 13, 2018Amazing
Come on now!!! Taisha Ryan is an amazing storyteller. There are a few authors that keep me captivated and she is one of them. My goodness this book was so worth me staying up and reading. If you have not read anything by this author, I highly suggest you start with this book. I love the way she develops the characters and they love story. This is not your average cookie cutter romance book. No baby this is here is a pot of slow cooking stew romance books. Chemistry, sexual tension, explosive storytelling. Yes...all that!!! Bravo Ms. Ryan Bravo!!!!
Come on now!!! Taisha Ryan is an amazing storyteller. There are a few authors that keep me captivated and she is one of them. My goodness this book was so worth me staying up and reading. If you have not read anything by this author, I highly suggest you start with this book. I love the way she develops the characters and they love story. This is not your average cookie cutter romance book. No baby this is here is a pot of slow cooking stew romance books. Chemistry, sexual tension, explosive storytelling. Yes...all that!!! Bravo Ms. Ryan Bravo!!!!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews